Get New Orleans tips from a Saint of a tour guide

Streetcars are seen in downtown New Orleans, Jan. 25, 2011.

Associated Press

Published: Monday, February 4, 2013 at 9:22 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, February 4, 2013 at 9:22 a.m.

Super Bowl fans got a double treat this year: an exciting matchup in a fascinating, fun-loving city. Even though New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees wasn’t on the field, he says he never tires of living in his adopted hometown.

“New Orleans is a place that’s unlike any other,” he says. He shares some favorite Crescent City sites and experiences with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

St. Charles Avenue Streetcar

Brees lives in the Uptown neighborhood, which puts him near the historic streetcar line. He loves taking his three kids for a ride on the postcard-pretty cars with mahogany seats and brass fittings. “It’s still one of my favorite things to do. It’s therapy. It’s relaxing. You look at the big beautiful houses and the oak trees as your ride along,” he says. “It costs me $1.25 to get on the streetcar and cruise. Where else in the world can I do this?”

Information: neworleansonline.com

Plum Street Snoballs

When Brees was growing up in Texas, he knew these frozen treats as snow cones. But the version served at this 68-year-old neighborhood shop near Tulane University is something better, like shave ice but with a crunch. Flavors include Cream Ice Cream, made with condensed milk. “It melts in your mouth,” he says. But Super Bowl visitors will have to come back to try it. The seasonal shop doesn’t open until mid-March.

Information: 504-866-7996 or www.eteamz.com/plumstreetsnoball

Audubon Park

Brees visits this landmark park not only for its zoo, but also its 1.8-mile hiking, biking and jogging trail. “You have these big, beautiful oak trees,” Brees says. There’s also a golf course and horseback riding. “It has everything you want to see.”

Information: 504-581-4629 or auduboninstitute.org

Royal Street

Just a block off Bourbon Street, this famous French Quarter thoroughfare offers elegant scenery and shopping, with antiques, jewelry and more. “It’s great people-watching — the sights and the sounds and the galleries and boutiques,” Brees says. He likes to buy fedoras here at Goorin Brothers, a hatmaker in a townhouse built in 1830.

Information: neworleansonline.com

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant

The quarterback didn’t appreciate oysters when he first came to New Orleans. “It’s somewhat of an acquired taste,” he says. But now he loves charbroiled oysters, a Crescent City specialty made with garlic, butter and herbs and sprinkled with Parmesan and Romano cheese. “When I sit down, I won’t eat less than two dozen. They might be the greatest bits of food you’ll ever have in your life.”

Information: 504-888-9254 or dragosrestaurant.com

Jazz Bistro at Arnaud’s Restaurant

Brees and his wife, Brittany, celebrated an anniversary at this legendary New Orleans restaurant just off Bourbon Street. “It’s got that old tile floor, wrought-iron porches. It’s very New Orleans,” he says. The bistro features Dixieland jazz and serves Creole cuisine.

Information: 504-523-5433 or arnaudsrestaurant.com

Magazine Street

This popular entertainment and shopping district stretches for 6 miles, offering a chance to browse, dine and shop. “It has tons of boutiques and restaurants and neat little antique stores and art galleries,” Brees says. His wife often works out at Romney Pilates Studios on this street. And Brees himself may even stop by in the off-season.

Information: 866-679-4764 or magazinestreet.com

French Quarter

Sure, a carriage ride through the French Quarter is a tourist cliché, but Brees says there’s no denying the romance of the conveyance. The carriage drivers tell historical and ghost stories, making the scenery come alive. “You get this relaxed feeling.” he says. “This is one of the first things my wife and I did when we got here.”

Information: neworleansonline.com

Emeril’s Delmonico

Brees loves the three New Orleans restaurants run by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, but this classic Creole spot might be his favorite. “He’s got a great wine list. The menu seems to change every three or four months. You can get a totally different experience,” he says.

Information: 504-525-4937 or emerilsrestaurants.com

National World War II Museum

This huge institution is dear to Brees’ heart. He serves on the board of directors, and both of his grandfathers fought in the conflict. “If you come to New Orleans, you’ve got to go,” he says. “It’s a must-see.” Kids will love the Victory Theater, which screens a film about the war narrated by Tom Hanks and featuring Kevin Bacon, Tobey Maguire and Brad Pitt, among others. During the show, it snows indoors and the seats shake when bombs explode on-screen. The museum also has a restaurant run by chef John Besh.

Information: 504-528-1944 or nationalww2museum.org

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